Assault rifles are the most versatile primary weapons available, benefitting from a high rate of fire, impressive accuracy, and respectable damage output. If you’re not certain what kind of threats you’ll be facing, you can never go wrong with an assault rifle.
R-201 Carbine
| Description | Full-auto and high accuracy assault rifle. |
| Magazine Capacity | 24 |
| Unlocks at | Level 1 |
| Cost | N/A |
| Strengths | Impressive accuracy; moderate recoil |
| Weaknesses | Lowest Damage output of assault rifles; outclassed at long range by rifles |
Field Notes
Like its predecessor, the R-101C, the R-201 Carbine is one of the most versatile weapons in the game, making it a great choice for rookie Pilots. It has great accuracy, while its rate of fire is ideal for chewing up enemy Pilots and minions.
Play aggressively or passively throughout a match. Its range enables you to pick off Pilots from a distance, and its fully automatic feature allows you to fire away in those close-quarters battles. When engaging targets at long range, fire the weapon in short bursts to maintain accuracy.
You can pick off most minions from a distance with quick headshots or a few bullets to the body. The magazine capacity allows you to pick off a group of minions and still have enough ammo left to drop a Pilot.
The sight attachments offer different magnifications. If you’re looking to sit back and defend on an open map, attach the HCOG Ranger. At closer ranges, attach the HCOG Ranger or Threat Scope. If you find yourself running out of ammo, equip the Extra Ammo mod to increase your ammo count.
Hemlok BF-R
| Description | Burst-fire assault rifle. |
| Magazine Capacity | 24 |
| Unlocks at | Level 35 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Accurately fires multiple rounds with impressive accuracy; solid mid-range weapon |
| Weaknesses | Poor close-quarters performance; diminished accuracy due to recoil |
Field Notes
The Hemlok BF-R is unique as the only burst-fire weapon available. The weapon’s three-round burst offers impressive damage output, taking down most threats with a single burst. This makes it a very effective weapon when engaging targets at long and intermediate ranges. However, the Hemlok is easily outclassed at close range by all of the automatic weapons. Tap fire as fast as possible to maintain a high rate of fire during close-quarters encounters.
When engaging Pilots with the Hemlok, keep your distance and do your best to avoid detection. Due to their quick movements, Pilots are difficult to track and hit. Fortunately, the weapon can fire several bursts in quick succession, making it easier to score hits on fast-moving targets. If enemy Pilots close on you to short range, consider switching to a pistol. The automatic RE-45 Auto Pistol is a good backup.
This is the ultimate minion-killing weapon, dropping most threats with a single burst. Hold back and engage minions at mid-range, where they pose minimal risk. This allows you to down entire squads of grunts and Spectres without reloading. But while hunting minions, watch out for enemy Pilots trying to sneak up on you.
Firing a three-round burst with each trigger pull makes ammo evaporate quickly. Consider equipping the Extra Ammo and Speedloader mods to mitigate the downside of frequent reloads.
G2A5
| Description | Semi-auto precision rifle. |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 |
| Unlocks at | Level 13 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | Lethal one-shot capability; impressive accuracy and range |
| Weaknesses | Low rate of fire; limited magazine capacity |
Field Notes
The G2A5 Rifle is the only semi-automatic weapon classified as an assault rifle. Despite its low rate of fire, the rifle is capable of killing grunts with one shot to the head. But the weapon does suffer from a limited magazine capacity, requiring frequent reloads. Still, its accuracy and damage output are a worthy trade-off.
When engaging Pilots, this weapon is most effective during long-range battles. So hold back and pick off Pilots in the distance. With its semi-automatic functionality you’ll have to be extremely accurate with your aim. At close range, prepare to tap your trigger as fast as you can.
The smaller magazine makes this weapon less effective against minions. You don’t want to get ambushed by a Pilot when you’re taking out minions, since you’ll most likely run out of ammo and have to reload. If you’re going to kill grunts or Spectres, keep your distance and watch out for incoming Pilots.
Given its accuracy at range, consider equipping the HCOG Ranger optic. This magnified sight makes it easier to acquire targets at range and score headshots. The Extra Ammo mod is also worthwhile, boosting the weapon’s magazine capacity.
V-47 Flatline
| Description | Full-auto, with a punch. |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 |
| Unlocks at | Level 47 |
| Cost | 100 |
| Strengths | High damage output; magazine capacity |
| Weaknesses | Poor accuracy; harsh recoil |
Field Notes
Among the assault rifles, the V-47 Flatline is the full-auto alternative to the R-201 Carbine. While the R-201 is a bit more versatile and refined, the Flatline sacrifices accuracy and handling for raw stopping power.
Due to the weapon’s less than stellar accuracy, the Flatline is best deployed at close to intermediate ranges, attacking minions and Pilots alike. To combat the weapon’s harsh recoil, limit full-auto bursts to three or four shots. Allow the weapon to settle before firing another burst. If your shots connect, you won’t need more than a quick burst to drop a Pilot or minion.
When confronting Pilots, try to limit engagements to confined areas where you can rely on the weapon’s damage output and rate of fire to complete the job. In large, open environments, the Flatline is outclassed by every assault rifle, not to mention the sniper rifles.
Of the sights available, the HCOG is the best fit for the Flatline, allowing for quick target acquisition. Pair it with the Gun Ready mod to decrease the time it takes to aim down the weapon’s sight. This can make a difference when countering opponents with faster firing SMGs.